McEwan, Raaymakers Earn Midterm Rankings

The NHL’s Central Scouting 2016 Midterm Rankings were released Tuesday, with two local players earning mention.

Chatham’s James McEwan saw his name on NHL lists for the first time. After not being mentioned in Central Scouting’s players to watch lists, McEwan’s strong first half of the OHL season with the Guelph Storm helped him make an appearance ranked 202nd among North American skaters.

Although the ranking falls in the bottom portion of the NHL’s list, McEwan is in only his first full campaign after battling injuries last year. He’s currently the leading scorer for the Guelph Storm amassing 19 goals, 12 assists, and 31 points in 42 games.

Also appearing in the NHL’s midterm rankings was goaltender Joseph Raaymakers. The Chatham netminder was ranked 4th among North American goaltenders.

Playing for the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds, Raaymakers is in his second full OHL campaign, and has posted an 8-7-3-1 record, along with a 3.86 GAA and 0.887 save percentage.

Thamesville’s Trent Fox is also eligible for this year’s NHL draft. The second year eligible player currently leads the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs in goals with 17, and sits second in team scoring with 30 points in 41 games.

The 2016 NHL Draft will take place in Buffalo, New York on June 24-25.